Preseason College Football Rankings 2011: What You Should Know About the AP Poll

With only a few weeks separating college football fans from what they love best, the preseason polls begin to emerge and set the stage for a teams to rise.. or fall.

Last year, Auburn was only ranked 17th and went on to become undefeated National Champions. TCU also rose up, and, had Oregon or Auburn lost a regular season game, would probably have been playing for the National Championship. But, they showed themselves as one of the top three teams in college football by defeating Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl.

But, teams also fell out of favor quickly. One loss meant the difference for Boise State after they were snubbed from a BCS Bowl after their loss against Nevada. South Carolina had a great season in winning the SEC East and demolishing rival Clemson, but in turn fell against both Auburn in the SEC Championship and against Florida State in the Peach Bowl.

Every year brings surprises for college football. What surprises could this preseason poll bring? Which teams will live up to their billing, and who will crumble under the pressure of the spotlight?